Hanson Defeated, Eaton Elected ELCA’s First Female Presiding Bishop

Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) was defeated yesterday in his bid for re-election. In his place, the ELCA has elected its first female presiding bishop: Bishop Elizabeth Eaton of the Northeastern Ohio Synod.

The election went to a fifth ballot, the ELCA notes , where Bishop Eaton received 600 votes to Bishop Hansons 287. Sarah Pulliam Bailey notes at Religion News Service that the election of Bishop Eaton was something of an upset: The election was a surprise to many, she writes, as Hanson was expected to win an unprecedented third term after 12 years in office. Before becoming Bishop of the Northeastern Ohio Synod, Rev. Eaton served as the pastor of Ohio congregations. She is married to Rev. Conrad Selnick, an Episcopal priest.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette suggests both Bishop Eaton and Bishop Hanson are considered centrists in the ELCA. It noted that while Bishop Eaton supported the decision to allow local options on partnered gay clergy, she further expressed the opinion that being an inclusive church meant respecting those who had a different understanding of Scripture and doctrine. These people also have voice in this church, she said. We need to make room for those who do not agree with us, but agree with our claim upon the cross.

90.5 WESA (Pittsburghs NPR News Station) adds some context from Bishop Guy Erwin, the man who became, earlier this year, the first openly gay person to be elected a bishop in the ELCA. He suggested Bishop Eatons election signals no change from the ELCAs current stance (that same-sex pastors and marriages are a matter of bound conscience at the local congregational level). I dont know how she really feels about all these things, he said, but I dont think you should confuse the fact that shes trying to hit a conciliatory tone in her address to the assembly with the idea that theres any kind of intention to change the policies as theyve been established.

The 2009 Churchwide Assembly saw the ELCA narrowly vote to allow the ordination of non-celibate gay pastors and the blessing of same-sex marriages. That decision led to a massive decline in ELCA membership over the next two years, with critics contending the ELCA had abandoned the Scriptures clear witness on human sexuality.

The 2013 Churchwide Assembly is taking place in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania from August 12-17.